Pro Fitness Model Tamika Webber Talks With Simplyshredded.com

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

Sport in various forms has always been a part of my life. Growing up in Rural Victoria I competed at a National level in Equestrian (Eventing) from age 4 to 21 until I moved to the city to follow my career. I became an Emergency Trauma Nurse and later an Emergency Paramedic. In my early twenties I then discovered that the gym became an incredible outlet to unwind and de-stress.

Strict dieting and intense training resulted in great changes to my physique so I decided to step it up a notch and compete for the first time in September of 2011.

Where does your motivation come from?

My initial motivation stemmed after I became ill in 2007 with various digestive issues making weight loss a difficult task. I had already suffered a twisted bowel so I endeavoured to make changes with both my mind and body to ensure better health. I then made the decision to go back to University to learn more about my anatomy and physiology in hope to improve my health even more. 7 years and 3 degrees later, coupled with the constant exposure to young avoidable illnesses at work I met my closest friend and trainer Dean Alexiou.

It is with such support that I maintain my motivation to strive for a better me.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

Being a shift worker I learnt quickly to listen to my body. I found aiming for workouts no longer than 45 mins worked best for me. I aim for 1-2 HIIT sessions per week with 20 min low intensity cardio on other days. Further high intensity sessions I found resulted in muscular atrophy for me. I tend to work by the analogy – ‘Work smarter not harder’.

A heavier weight does not necessarily mean getting results. Technique and posture are the key to isolating the correct muscle groups and reducing injures.